Students from a Canadian high school are off for a once-in-a-lifetime London trip made that much more special by the Duke of York.

On 6 April, students from Prince Andrew High in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, will leave for a 10-day trip to France and England to learn more about the First and Second World War and Canada’s role in battle. They will visit Vimy Ridge on its 100th anniversary and head to Normandy to see the grounds of the D-Day invasion.

But when they head to London, they will receive a tour of Buckingham Palace, and the teachers will have lunch with Prince Andrew.

The Duke of York is the namesake of the Dartmouth school. It was founded in 1960 – the same year Prince Andrew was born.

John Stewart and Ron Stewart, two teachers at Prince Andrew High, told The Chronicle Herald that they had written a letter to the Duke of York’s office.

“We’re both going to be in London. Let’s do lunch.”

The Duke of York’s office sent a reply back. He would be free that day, and the students would receive a tour of Buckingham Palace.

“After the Vimy ceremony itself, which is the purpose of the trip, this is the most exciting part,” said Stewart.

Other attractions on the tour of London include Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London.

Cole Fauteux, a Grade 10 student going on the trip said that he had only ever seen Europe in film, and he is excited to experience a different culture.

“It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and not a lot of people can say that they’ve done it,” said Fauteux.

“We’re still part of the Commonwealth and The Queen is still our big ruler. It’s very important for our Canadian heritage.”

Both the teachers and students have reportedly upgraded their wardrobes for the upcoming trip. Everyone is making space for suits, ties and dress shoes in their suitcases to make sure they fit a royal dress code.